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Candle Cafe

The Candle Cafe was the first vegetarian restaurant I ever visited in NYC (eight years ago with my mom and cousin). On that visit, I was impressed by the elegantly presented meals, the charming atmosphere, and the friendly service. (How could I not have been wowed by the service when the cute waiter insisted we try dessert—a piece of chocolate mousse pie and a slice of cheesecake—free of charge?!)

For the same reasons I was initially drawn to the Candle’s flame,  it is still a favorite eight years later. Call me a moth, but I believe that no trip to NYC is complete without a stop at the Candle.

My most favoritest (Not a word? I don’t care!) menu item at Candle is their Miso Ginger Stir Fry. One complaint with this dish was that the tofu tastes a bit flavorless, so I sub it out for tender seitan. On this past trip, quinoa also stood in for the brown rice.

candle cafe miso ginger stir fry

My mom loved the Candle Cafe Indian Plate.

candle cafe indian plate

Summary:

The Candle Cafe is not only a fabulous restaurant for vegetarians, it is also a safe choice in terms of locations to take a picky omnivore (safer than this place, anyway!). And if you’re lucky, you might just leave with some free dessert. 😉

Published on September 28, 2009

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47 Comments

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  1. jcd says

    Oh, what a tease! And I’m not talking about the giveaway. The food at Candle Café looks divine! I guess I’ll have to go to New York now, huh?

    On another note, I hope the giveaway will be open to Canadians! Yum. If not, how can I find out if they sell those bars in Chicago? (I’m going there in a few weeks and am making a list of American things to buy whilst there.)

  2. glidingcalm says

    I would love to go to Candle some day, but I don’t visit NYC very often- esp. now that my grandparents moved away!! Everything looks delicious though!! I might have to get the Indian Plate as well, but your stir fry sounds fav. and I’ve been waiting to give seitan another go too!

    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Excited for the giveaway!!!

    happy Monday love pie!

  3. carolynmittens says

    oh wow, that indian plate looks awesome! i was at the Candle Cafe not too long ago, and i was not impressed at all. my dish was super bland and boring. but i just might give the restaurant another shot to try what your mom ordered, it looks delicious!

  4. Bianca- Vegan Crunk says

    If I ever make it to NYC, I’m totally gonna eat there. It’s so on my list of places I most wanna eat! That money shot is makin’ me so hungry and I just ate a big ole bowl of oats less than two hours ago (banana brulee oats, I might add…very tasty…I’m gonna blog about them tonight).

  5. ellie says

    Both posts landed in reader for me 20 mins ago…

    REMIND me when I am in NY what to order at Candle. Though the wraps they do look incredible. Why do I not live in NYC? 🙁

  6. ~Jessica~ says

    Candle looks just wonderful ~ I’d love to find a vegan restaurant that would be capable of ‘converting’ my family.

    Ooh, I see what you mean about the next giveaway being fantastic!

    <3

  7. Jenny R. says

    I’ve never been to NYC but that restaurant is making me wanna go (you know not any of the cool attractions or anything 😉 ) ooo never had a wildbar – for sure entering!

  8. Animal-Friendly 79 says

    My mom and I are planning a trip to NYC this winter and Candle Cafe is at the top of my to-do list! Any restaurant that insists on ordering dessert must be great.

    Can’t wait to hear more about this giveaway!

  9. lola says

    There are only like one or two vegetarian places in my town, and they are both burger or taco places, how sad is that? i’ve never even tried seitan in my life!! how does it taste like? if you had to compare it to something what would it be?

  10. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    Sigh. I have never been to any of the fabulous NYC raw/vegan restaurants. I just went to a local Phoenix cafe that’s vegetarian and most things can be made vegan or raw….but. But. It was like a cheesy cafe, it wasn’t posh or slick. Not to sound snobby, but I want that really slick, upscale vibe that Candle or Pure seem to have. Next time you’re goin’, LMK. I may hop on a plane and meet you for din-din 🙂

    Thanks for your kind words today….OMG you are the best, a true friend.

    With love xoxox,
    averie

  11. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    p.s. GoogleReader took TWO HOURS for my post to show up. And yesterday it took over an hour. I was seriously gettin’ worried that the cyber gods were frowning on me, considering everything else that had been goin’ down round here. You’re not alone. Mine have been so slow. I actually re-submitted the post after about 90 mins and then 30 mins later it finally showed up. Not sure if that helped or what, but yeah….slow.

  12. Ricki says

    It showed up in my Google Reader. . . not sure why it missed yours! I’ve always wanted to try Candle Cafe. I’ve got the cookbook–must start there.

  13. Katharina says

    I was gonna go there when I was in NY, but I thought it was too fancy for me to go dining alone. I thought I’d much rather enjoy it with someone else 🙂 My mom would’ve been a perfect date! Both of those dishes look sooo appetizing oh my gosh.

    Ooo what goodies do you have in store for us next??

  14. Heather Eats Almond Butter says

    Must win Wild Bars. Must have them back in my life!

    That picture of your miso ginger stir-fry is beautiful. Can I please be your dinner date for your next trip to Candle Cafe? Perhaps Jay could join us??????

  15. broccolihut says

    I would love to visit the Candle Cafe someday–I have their cookbook, and everything in it is so delicious and creative!

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